John Orlando Is CBS' New Top Lobbyist

CBS named John Orlando the company's top lobbyist in Washington. As evp of government affairs, Orlando will oversee all the company's lobbying activities in Washington, D.C., as well as with state and local governments—and, of course, retransmission consent, an issue that has been heating up on Capitol Hill.

Orlando's promotion from svp, announced today, was expected since May, when long-time CBS lobbyist and retrans guru Marty Franks said he would retire after 25 years.

“John is one of the most respected and skilled lobbyist working in the media industry so I am thrilled to have him at the helm of our D.C. operation,” said Les Moonves, CEO of CBS, to whom Orlando will report. “He has been an integral part of our Washington office for years, and his guidance and counsel have been critical in navigating our efforts with the administration, government agencies, Congress and beyond. At a time when the media landscape is in constant change, having someone as knowledgeable as John is about our company and the industry is invaluable.”

One of the most respected Hill insiders, Orlando knows his way around Washington and broadcast issues. Since 2006 when he rejoined CBS, he served as CBS' lead lobbyist and its principal contact with Congress and the administration. Prior to CBS, he spent five years heading up government relations for the National Association of Broadcasters. He was also a lobbyist with Timmons & Co., and spent 14 years on the Hill including as chief of staff for House Commerce chairman emeritus John Dingell (D-Mich.).

CBS named John Orlando the company's top lobbyist in Washington. As evp of government affairs, Orlando will oversee all the company's lobbying activities in Washington, D.C., as well as with state and local governments—and, of course, retransmission consent, an issue that has been heating up on Capitol Hill.

Orlando's promotion from svp, announced today, was expected since May, when long-time CBS lobbyist and retrans guru Marty Franks said he would retire after 25 years.

“John is one of the most respected and skilled lobbyist working in the media industry so I am thrilled to have him at the helm of our D.C. operation,” said Les Moonves, CEO of CBS, to whom Orlando will report. “He has been an integral part of our Washington office for years, and his guidance and counsel have been critical in navigating our efforts with the administration, government agencies, Congress and beyond. At a time when the media landscape is in constant change, having someone as knowledgeable as John is about our company and the industry is invaluable.”

One of the most respected Hill insiders, Orlando knows his way around Washington and broadcast issues. Since 2006 when he rejoined CBS, he served as CBS' lead lobbyist and its principal contact with Congress and the administration. Prior to CBS, he spent five years heading up government relations for the National Association of Broadcasters. He was also a lobbyist with Timmons & Co., and spent 14 years on the Hill including as chief of staff for House Commerce chairman emeritus John Dingell (D-Mich.).